author
Bishop of Poitiers Saint Hilary
d. 366
A fierce defender of Christian teaching in a time of bitter conflict, this 4th-century bishop of Poitiers became one of the West’s most important early theologians. Best known for his writings on the Trinity and his stand against Arianism, he was later honored as a Doctor of the Church.
1 Audiobook
Sancti Hilarii: Epistola Ad Abram Filiam Suam (Circa Finem Anni 558 Missa.) Patrologiae Cursus Completus; Tomus X
by Bishop of Poitiers Saint Hilary
About the author
Born in Poitiers in the early 4th century, Hilary came from a well-educated pagan background and was trained in classical learning. His reading of Scripture led him to Christianity, and although he was married and had a daughter according to long-standing tradition, he was chosen as bishop of Poitiers around the middle of the century.
Hilary is remembered above all for defending the belief that Christ is fully divine during the Arian controversy, one of the great theological struggles of his age. His opposition to powerful supporters of Arianism led to exile in Phrygia, where he continued to write and argue for Nicene teaching. Because of that courage and influence, he was sometimes called the “Athanasius of the West.”
He later returned to Poitiers and remained an important voice in the Latin Church until his death, traditionally placed around 367 or 368. His best-known work is De Trinitate, and his legacy as a clear, forceful teacher eventually led the Church to recognize him as a Doctor of the Church.